New Visa Policies: The Future of Global Work with Dr. Kaisu Koskela | Ep 71

Dr. Kaisu Koskela—anthropologist, researcher, and lifelong traveler—joins House of Peregrine to unpack what global mobility really looks like when you live it. From growing up near the Arctic Circle to working across 80+ countries, Kaisu blends lived experience with rigorous research on digital nomadism, remote work visas, and the policies that shape how we move, work, and belong.

She reminds us: nomadism isn’t new—what’s new is technology untying work from geography while policy struggles to catch up.

We explore how nations still design systems exclusively for sedentary lives, creating gray zones where remote workers can’t fully comply—even when they want to.

Kaisu breaks down the spectrum: short-term workationers, true nomads who live in motion, and remote workers who migrate. She argues for policy “funnels” that welcome people at different stages—tourist rules that explicitly allow remote work, well-designed digital nomad visas, and residency paths that enable contribution, not just consumption.

Kaisu also tackles the hard stuff: transnational gentrification, stressed-out newcomers, and why banning local engagement is a missed economic and social opportunity.

Her take is pragmatic and humane—tax fairly, enable contribution, and offer the possibility of a future. For individuals, she urges intentionality: don’t chase a trend; craft your own version of location independence and understand the trade-offs.

In this episode:

• Digital nomadism isn’t new; policy is just lagging behind tech

• The “work–place” divorce: work is global, rules are local

• A better model: tourist visas that allow remote work + residency pathways

• Why many nomad visas fail (poor design, embassy requirements, no benefits)

• Real risks: gentrification, compliance stress, blocked local contribution

• Practical advice: design your own mobility path; freedom needs strategy

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Loved this conversation? Explore more at House of Peregrine. Connect with Dr. Kaisu Koskela via her academic and LinkedIn profile.

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